North Norfolk Shines at the 2025 Poppyland Radio Awards

Mike Goldwater
Oct 6
3 min read

The very best of North Norfolk was celebrated in style on Saturday 4 October at The Cliftonville as Poppyland Radio hosted its glittering red-carpet Awards Gala Presentation Night. The event brought together outstanding local businesses, organisations, and individuals for an evening of celebration and inspiration.

Awards entries were nominated by the general public earlier this year and sent to a distinguished panel of VIP judges in June — Steffan Aquarone MP, Wendy Fredericks (Deputy Leader, North Norfolk District Council), Mitch Johnson (national radio legend), Candy Richards (Federation of Small Businesses), and Deb Lewis (The Cliftonville). The judges gave their time freely to scrutinise every nomination and draw up a shortlist of deserving finalists. In July the public voting opened and attracted thousands of votes to determine the winners in each category.

Speaking at the Gala Presentation, Poppyland Radio director and awards organiser Mike Goldwater said:

To gather the best of the best made for a truly moving and inspirational event.

The evening was expertly hosted by musician, entertainer, award-winning podcaster, and presenter of Stumpy Sanderson’s 70s Stories on Poppyland Radio, Andrew Brammer, with a lively soundtrack provided by DJ Funky Chicken.

Guests were welcomed by Steffan Aquarone MP, whose rousing opening address paid tribute to the exceptional talent and community spirit that makes North Norfolk such a special place. From hundreds of nominations and thousands of public votes, nine award categories highlighted the breadth of excellence across the region.

2025 Poppyland Radio Awards Results

Dining Out Award

Presented by Claire Goldwater, Poppyland Radio

Winner: Friends Bistro, Cromer

Runners-up: Shambles Café Bar & Bistro, North Walsham; Sheringham Little Theatre Café Hub, Sheringham

Outstanding Organisation Award

Sponsored by Starlings Transport, presented by Will Wilson, Poppyland Radio

Winner: About with Friends

Runners-up: Cromer Crab & Lobster Festival; Wenn Evans Community Centre

Raising the Bar Award

Sponsored by QD Stores, presented by Huss Gharaslia

Winner: Poppyland Brewery & Distillery

Runners-up: The Peasant’s Tavern, North Walsham; Mundesley Golf Club Bar

Retail Therapy Award

Sponsored by Cromer Vets, presented by Ann-Marie Coughlan

Winner: Thistle & Tide, Cromer

Runners-up: Happisburgh Village Shop; Woods Cycles, Mundesley

Smart Service Award

Presented by Wendy Fredericks, Deputy Leader of North Norfolk District Council

Winner: Cromer Vets

Runners-up: Lords Opticians; Rocket Design

Sweet Dreams Award

Sponsored by Cromer Carpets, presented by Adam Wood, Poppyland Radio

Winner: Ivy Farm Holiday Park, Overstrand

Runners-up: Foxglade Lodge, Cromer; No4 B&B, Cromer

Top Tickets Award

Presented by Mark “Blunders” Blundell, Poppyland Radio

Winner: Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier

Runners-up: Rockstock, Overstrand; Stage Direct, Sheringham

Listeners’ Choice Award

Sponsored by RWE, presented by Mike Goldwater, Poppyland Radio

Winner: Rockin’ the Radio presented by Si Pink

Runners-up: Cricket Catch-Up Show presented by Blunders; Friday Funktion presented by DJ Funky Chicken

Local Treasure Award

Sponsored by The Cliftonville, presented by Deb Lewis

Winner: Kayleigh Sanders, Briston Clothes Bank

Runners-up: Lucy Murphy & Keith Hobday; Mark “Raggy” Radbourne; Steve Little

Organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to the event sponsors, judges, volunteers, and supporters who made the gala event possible, ensuring the evening truly reflected the pride, creativity, and generosity of the North Norfolk community.

Awards Sponsors